The death of legendary filmmaker K Viswanath, whose contribution to Telugu cinema is unparalleled, has prompted celebrities to pay emotional tributes on social media. Celebrities including Kamal Haasan, Chiranjeevi, Mammootty, Radikaa Sarath Kumar, Ravi Teja, and Ram Gopal Varma took to social media to remember the auteur. Viswanath, 92, died yesterday due to age-related ailments.
He is known for blending parallel cinema with mainstream commercial cinema and is one of the most prolific filmmakers of Telugu cinema. He has also received international recognition for his works. In 1981, he received the “Public Prize” at the French Film Festival in Besançon. In 1992, he received the Raghupathi Venkaiah Award from the state of Andhra Pradesh, as well as the civilian honor Padma Shri, for his contributions to the field of arts. In 2017, he received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, the highest honor in Indian cinema.
Subhapradam, a 2010 Telugu film starring Allari Naresh and Manjari Phadnis, was his last directorial project. He has also appeared in over a dozen films in the Telugu and Tamil industries.
Veteran actor Kamal Haasan, who had collaborated with Viswanath on three iconic films, tweeted, “Salute to a master.” He also shared a picture of a handwritten note that read, “Kalathapasvi K Viswanath fully understood the transience of life and the immortality of art. As a result, his art will be remembered long after his death and reign. His art will live on. An ardent supporter. Kamal Haasan”
Telugu actor Chiranjeevi, tweeted, “Shocked beyond words! Shri K Viswanath’s death leaves an indelible void in Indian / Telugu cinema and in my life! Man of many iconic and timeless films! The Legend Will Never Die! “Om Shanti”. Chiranjeevi had collaborated with Viswanath on Swayam Krushi, Subhalekha, and Aapadbhandavadu. Chiranjeevi had visited Viswanath at his home recently to celebrate his 92nd birthday.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of Sri K Viswanath Garu,” tweeted veteran Malayalam actor Mammootty, who worked with Viswanath in Swathi Kiranam. He tweeted, ” I had the honor of working with him on Swathi Kiranam. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.” “Viswanath garu,” tweeted actor Radikaa Sarath Kumar, who has also appeared in Swathi Kiranam and Swathi Muthyam, “Shanti to a legendary figure. A person, in his or her own way, leaves a massive vacuum of art and thought. Who made films with a goal? Who was the calm in the midst of a storm? I will miss you terribly.”
